Akshay’s internship has taught him that- “Enjoying success requires the ability to adapt”

“I never focus on the journey but the destination”, says Akshay Amber with a lot of clarity. This PGDM student from KIAMS has just finished his Summer Internship with Big Bazaar and is clearly buzzing with confidence. Big Bazaar, Patna was the destination for this English Literature graduate and he definitely left his mark during his internship.

Akshay had set himself a goal for the SIP – to get a Branding and Promotions project. And that’s just what his internship profile was, for the catchment area analysis and promotion of Big Bazaar. Buoyed by the initial excitement, he immersed himself in the internship and managed to muster a long list of achievements in a short span of time.

“I have been part of several promotional activities for Big Bazaar, from Fare Deal to Bihar Utsav Mela, and from Super Sunday (Sunday Bazaar) to Winter Haat. The Red Carpet counter and corporate invitation strategies that I suggested were implemented and that got us foot-falls during the Public Holiday Sale,” Akshay recalls proudly.

He has every reason to be proud since many of his promotional strategies were well received and even sent to the head office. Akshay clearly created ripples in the organisation and won the Certificate of Excellence for his work on Profit Club Membership as a department manager during the Public Holiday Sale. But for Akshay, the words of the HR manager will always remain special. As Akshay recounts the appreciation he received, he remembers the manager saying, “I have seen hundreds of SIP trainees over the years, but you are in the top three and have set a benchmark for trainees at Big Bazaar.”

But that’s not all; Akshay’s exemplary work during the internship also brought him some job offers, though he is awaiting official confirmation on them. And although he got a handsome stipend for the internship, he wisely adds, “The SIP is a process for learning, not earning. The stipend is a bonus but what you get to learn about the corporate environment is priceless. It is a stepping stone to success, as there’s a good chance of you getting a pre-placement offer.”

Akshay believes that his success during the SIP is due to his hard work and single-minded dedication. “I was a bit nervous initially, but with responsibility came power and confidence. I realised that no decision of yours is right till you go out there and prove it. And that’s what I set out to do with a right strategy in place.”

He might be brimming with confidence, as is seen in his words, but he also remains grounded and grateful to those who guided him through his SIP. “Mr. Samarjeet Sinha supported and encouraged me throughout my project. I am also grateful to Dr. V.S. Pai and Prof. Arvind Nath Sinha from KIAMS, who remained available to me and gave me enough time in spite of their busy schedules”, says Akshay.

He also remains well aware of the contribution the institute has made to his life so far. “I joined KIAMS because of its reputation and the competitive environment it offers. I am glad I took that decision because the institute has literally built me up from scratch,” says Akshay. And if his initial success and confidence is anything to go by, he will definitely be going places.